Singaporean woman goes missing during ferry trip from Malaysia

SINGAPORE- A search is being conducted for a Singaporean woman who was found missing when the Singapore-flagged ferry "SINDO EMPRESS" berthed at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a media statement that it received the report at about 11am today. The ferry had departed from Tanjong Pengellih, Malaysia at 7.30am.

MPA said it immediately alerted the Malaysia Marine Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of the missing person.

MPA and MMEA are currently conducting the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation within their respective waters along the route taken by the ferry.

The Singapore Police Coast Guard (PCG) is also assisting MPA in the SAR operation. Three MPA and two PCG craft have been activated.

MPA added that it has issued urgent safety broadcast to vessels in the vicinity to keep a lookout and report any sightings of the missing person.

MPA is investigating the incident.

The next-of-kin (NOK) of the missing passenger may call MPA's NOK hotline at 6375 1699.

yamadak@sph.com.sg